Despite current concerns about Covid-19, most of us are getting outside. We’re soaking up the sun while gardening or by walking and running in our neighborhoods. Some of us are also frequenting parks and golf courses, now that those are open as of May 1st.

With more physical activity comes foot pain. You may be wondering if you need to come into the office to get your particular foot condition evaluated and treated. The answer is, not necessarily. Through the wonders of telemedicine I can listen to you describe the pain you’re having, you can show me your feet, and I can watch you walk. Oftentimes these will be sufficient for me to prescribe you a home treatment program and/or write you a prescription you can pick up at your pharmacy. Sometimes we will have the item you need at the office. You can pay for these over the phone and then pick them at the door.

So what are some of the most common conditions I’m seeing through telemedicine?

Heel pain

Ingrown toenails

Cracked skin

Broken toes

Heel Pain

Heel pain is usually either plantar fasciitis (bottom of the heel pain) or Achilles tendonitis (back of the heel pain). These conditions are most often brought on by a combination of the following factors: an increase in exercise (walking and running), going barefoot in the house or outside, overpronation (a tendency to pronate or roll your foot inward during movement) and having tight calf muscles.

I’ve helped many patients resolve their heel pain during a telemedicine call by learning more about their particular issues and by watching them walk.

To resolve your heel pain at home, take the following steps:

Wear supportive tennis shoes

Don't go barefoot at home, but instead wear support sandals

Reduce your inflammation

Add over-the-counter inserts

Reduce your calf tightness

Use a heel lift

To learn more about how to resolve your heel pain at home, review the blog I wrote and the companion video, “6 Self-Care Tips to Resolve Heel Pain During the Covid-19 Pandemic”. The blog contains links to all the products I recommend.

Ingrown Toenail

If you’ve ever experienced an ingrown toenail you know how painful it can be. Although in most cases I’ll need to see you in the office to do minor surgery, we may be able to resolve your issue through a telemedicine call.

First I’ll ask you about the state of your toe. Is it painful, red, swollen, or is there any pus or drainage? Your responses to these questions will help me understand whether your ingrown toenail is infected. I’ll also view your toe during our telemedicine call. After my assessment I’ll determine whether you can start home treatment or whether you need to come into the office for surgery.

To care for your ingrown nail at home take the following steps:

Epsom salt soak - soak your toe in a bucket or other container with warm water and ½ cup of Epsom salt for about 15 minutes twice a day.

Apply a wet to dry dressing – wrap your toe with gauze and secure with tape (make sure you don’t tape the gauze to your toe. Saturate the gauze with the Epsom salt soak and let it dry while you wear an open toed shoe. Apply twice daily.

Wear sandals - wear sandals or another open toed shoe to avoid pressure on the nail.

Note: If redness, pain, or drainage increase you’ll need to make an in office appointment.

Cracked Heels

Walking around barefoot indoors and outside will often lead to dry and cracked heels due to increased pressure on that part of the foot. If your cracks are minor you won’t need a telemedicine appointment. However, more severe cracks particularly those that are deep and bleeding will require a telemedicine call.

Recently we’ve been reading about a new phenomenon some people are calling Covid toes. Mostly younger patients with Covid-19 in their 20s and 30s are experiencing a pinkish-red rash that can also turn purple over time. The toes can appear to be frostbitten with skin sores or bumps. This condition can also cause burning in some people. Most people who get this rash are asymptomatic with it disappearing in two to three weeks.

Because patients are asymptomatic the most important thing about this condition is that people who experience it should get tested and isolate themselves from others who could have a much worse case of Covid-19.

If you think you or your child has this condition, I can diagnose it through a telemedicine appointment.

Call us today at 206-368-7000 for an appointment. Often same day for emergencies and less than 2 weeks for chronic foot pain. You can also request an appointment online.